Opening Your Business in Cotati

Welcome to Cotati! Whether you are starting a new business or relocating your existing business, the City of Cotati can help you through the process. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Contact the City’s Community Development Department at 707-665-6636 or permits@cotaticity.gov to find out:
   • If the property you have in mind is zoned for your business type and has adequate parking
   • If you need to obtain a planning permit to open your business, and if so, the permit type, process, and fees required
   • If you need a building permit for any improvements to the property, and if so, the process and fees required.

You can research the above questions before contacting us if you wish, using the resources on our Property, Zoning, and Permit Research webpage.

2. Contact other agencies to find out whether they will require any permits or approvals. This might include: 
   • Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) - for alcohol sales or service, Santa Rosa office 707-576-2165  
   • County of Sonoma Environmental Health - food preparation, sales, and service 
   • City of Santa Rosa Environmental Compliance - restaurants and businesses handling chemicals
   • Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District - for fire alarm and fire sprinklers permits and information on mandatory inspections
   • And others

3. Set up utility services: 
   • City of Cotati Water/Sewer 
   • Recology (Solid Waste) 
   • Electric (Sonoma Clean Power) 
   • Gas and Electric (PG&E)

4. Apply for a Sign Permit if you’ll need a new sign at your business location. 

5. Apply for a Business License from the City’s Administrative Services Department. Every business needs a business license to operate in Cotati, even home-based businesses, mobile businesses, and those whose headquarters or main office is in another location.

6. Consider joining the Cotati Chamber of Commerce

Additional Considerations

• Do you want to operate a home-based business or work from home? Read the rules in Section 17.42.080 “Home Occupations” in the Cotati Municipal Code. 
• Do you plan to operate a cottage food business? 
• If you are going to operate a restaurant, do you want outdoor dining and/or a parklet? 
• Do you want to operate a mobile vending business? 
• Are you planning to open a cannabis-related business? Visit our Cannabis Business Information page for guidance